SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The iconic Sundance Film Festival that began in Park City 40 years ago will be moving out of Utah starting in 2027.
Officials announced Thursday that Boulder, Colorado was selected as the new venue for future festivals nearly a year after the Sundance Institute said it was considering relocation.
The morning before the big announcement, Cincinnati film officials announced the city was out of the running, leaving Salt Lake City and Boulder, Colorado as the finalists. But ultimately, Utah lost the bid.
“Words cannot express the sincere gratitude I have for Park City, the state of Utah, and all those in the Utah community that have helped to build the organization. What we’ve created is remarkably special and defining,” said Robert Redford, the founder and president of Sundance Institute.
Redford continued to say that “change is inevitable” and key to the institute’s survival.
Since the institute announced it was exploring new venues to host the festival last April, Utah officials rallied together to keep the festival that has a history in Utah since its start in the 1980s. The process included three official visits from the Sundance Institute, three presentations, and “countless meetings,” according to Salt Lake City officials.
One of Utah’s most notable pitches was to move the majority of the festival from Park City to Utah’s capital, in the hopes of providing the festival with a new feel and greater infrastructure.
Salt Lake City and Park City leaders released a joint statement following the announcement, saying that despite the disappointment of losing the festival, they are dedicated to continuing to foster the arts in their communities.
“While we are naturally disappointed by the decision, the State of Utah, Park City and Salt Lake City have long been proud partners of the Festival, and we are grateful for the lasting impact it has had on our communities. We remain committed to fostering the arts right here in Utah, where the spirit of storytelling will always thrive,” the statement reads.
Park City Mayor Nann Worel said the festival’s departure “marks the end of an incredible era, but not the end of Park City’s magic.”
“For over 40 years, we weren’t just the host of the Sundance Film Festival – Park City was part of the beating heart of the independent spirit that made it such a success. While I am deeply disappointed, I’m grateful for the legacy we built together,” Worel said.
Worel said they “put our heart and soul into finding a way to keep Sundance in Utah,” adding, “Frankly, I don’t know if there is anything else we could have done.”
“To our residents: Our commitment to the creative spirit of the arts has always been a cornerstone of our community. We will continue to build on that legacy – we will deepen our investment in arts and culture – with energy, purpose, and that Park City magic that defines us,” Worel said.
Sundance Institute said the finalist’s bids were “tremendously comprehensive and compelling proposals.” Lindsey Nikoa, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said the state put together a $13.5 million bid that included state funding, money from the city, Salt Lake County and private donors.
Gov. Spencer Cox called it a “highly competitive package,” adding that Sundance’s decision to leave Utah is a “mistake.”
“One day, they’ll realize they left behind not just a place, but their heritage,” Cox wrote on social media. “In the meantime, we’ll keep doing what we’ve always done: supporting filmmakers and building a world-class film economy right here in Utah.”
While there was speculation that the Sundance Film Festival would leave due to a recent bill barring pride flags on schools and government property, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said the decision came down to money.
Still, Rep. Trevor Lee (R-Salt Lake City) bid Sundance farewell on social media, saying the renowned film festival “promoted filth” and would not be missed in the Beehive State.
The festival will take place in Park City as usual next year and move to Boulder in 2027.
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